2016 GoBeyond Testimonials

Post-trip questionnaires, student reflections, phone calls, personal letters, and smoke signals, have all steadily flowed into the GoBeyond office from all over the world since the end of our programs in August. Summer 2016 is in the books and we think we’ve sorted through enough of our feedback to say it was one of our greatest successes yet. Here are just a few quotes from alumni and parents to get a feel of what we’re hearing…

GoBeyond in Australia

Daisy D. - Fayetteville, GA

“GoBeyond gives people from around the world the chance to come together at ground zero for adventure. It’s an experience unmatched by any. The teamwork and friendships that arise from just three weeks of bonding will never be broken. For those reasons and so, so many more, GoBeyond is the best thing you can possible do in the summer!”

Rena H. - Dunwody, GA

“Trip of a lifetime for my daughter! She was able to have many different experiences while traveling with GoBeyond.”

Alexa A. - Lauderdale, MS

“The Reef to Rainforest Journey was an once in a lifetime experience spent with 11 strangers that became family. I recommend this trip to anyone!!!”

GoBeyond in The British Virgin Islands

Jeanne, K. - Boulder, CO

“What an amazing combination of quality and inspiration. How can you take a boat full of texting/snap chatting/insta-everything teens to one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and have them return home babbling most excitedly about the work they were able to be part of? Thank you so much for giving this experience to my child. It meant the world to the passionate, engaged, and lit-up young woman you returned to us!”

Abby C. - Ludlow, VT

“It was by far the best experience of my life.I loved all of it, the boat life, the people, the islands, and the projects. Besides just being in the islands on the water, my favorite part was all of the GoBeyond traditions, like squeeze, spyglass mountain, the postcards etc…”

Sydney C. - Atlanta, GA

“Opportunity! How else can you learn to sail, tag turtles, learn about plastic’s negative impact on our planet and how to help, make new friends and help local communities. So much is great about it!”

GoBeyond in China

Nick J. - Savannah, GA

“My experience with GoBeyond completely changed my life. As I am getting used to being back home, just looking around my community; I am already looking for ways to help. I miss all the people I made connections with during my three weeks in China.”

Julia L. - Newport, RI

“Meeting so many cool, interesting and well traveled people who were all so into helping others and so excited to get the most out of the experience. Finding out how much I myself can impact others and how powerful one person can be. Also making friends for life and being able to tell them and having them tell you what you appreciate most about them and how they have made an impact in your life and you in theirs.”

Barbara K. - New York, NY

“My daughter had an amazing experience. She had a wonderful time while working as part of a group to help others. The program fosters both independence and cooperation. It could not have been more perfect.”

GoBeyond in Costa Rica

Brighid G. - Staten Island, NY

“This trip was a valuable experience on multiple fronts- not only did I enjoy myself, establish lifelong friendships, and explore Costa Rica, I felt I made an important contribution to the places I visited. The decision to travel with GoBeyond was a difficult one to make. A trip to Costa Rica meant limited contact with my friends and family and sacrificing the comforts of home. I left New York with tears in my eyes, but in time, I found that the fears and the worries that had plagued me were ill-founded. I was about to embark on a journey that would prove to be the most profound two weeks of my life.”

Sandra B. - Newton, PA

“Both our boys have participated in GoBeyond programs for many years. They come home with multi-cultural experiences, an appreciation of how lucky they are, new friends and a maturity they did not have before they left.”

Kathryn B. - Trappe, PA

“Each service project we did between cementing, painting murals, and holding a food kitchen made a real impact on each person. The projects were super fun and helped the members of our group get closer.”

GoBeyond in Ecuador & the Galapagos

John C. - Norfolk, MA

“My experience is something I know that I will remember and cherish forever. GoBeyond has introduced me to so many amazing people that have become my best friends from all over the world. Also, it has pushed me out of my comfort zone to try new things or experience new ideas or concepts that I never imagined I could.”

Camilla L. - Temple City, CA

“Never have my eyes been so opened. Never have I seen so much light. A bright light that shines from within these people. It radiates off their smiles, through their words and in their guiding hands. Never have I realized how confied I was in my secluded, isolated bubble of me. It only took this trip, coupled with the caring people and vivacious environment, to pop that bubble. I had never seen so much beauty in so little time.”

Eve L. - Dallas, TX

“The wildlife was amazing and I will never forget it. We also saw a lot of the culture of the indigenous people like eating grubs, blowing darts, and throwing spears. It was very interesting and I would love to do more. This trip has been amazing and unforgettable and I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything. The people, the places, the things we encountered were life-changing and I will take away so much.”

GoBeyond in India

Zachary S. - Prescott, AZ

“The experience I had with GoBeyond was absolutely incredible. What is best about GoBeyond is the balance between service and fun, making the trip meaningful and enjoyable.”

Tracey M. - Bend, OR

“Everything about the program was great. Very organized, safety was a priority, chaperones, exposure to s new culture, activities, and quality of the volunteer work.”

Maelys E. - Los Angeles, CA

“I enjoyed every moment of the program, got along with everyone. Had an amazing trip overall and hope to come back again next year!”

GoBeyond in Peru

Lina C. - Newton, PA

“It is such an incredible and unforgettable experience. The trip makes you view life from a different perspective and the only way to get the full effect is to go yourself.”

Carolyn B. - Darien, CT

“Avery had an outstanding experience in Peru. She said she had 3 of the best weeks of her life, and the trip exceeded all expectations. She also said that she would never have seen or experienced many of the things that she did if she hadn’t been there with GoBeyond.”

Abigail P. - Framingham, MA

“I thought that there was equal amount of work and play. We worked extremely hard doing service on some days and on others we had lots of fun exploring the country. I also think that the service we did, was accomplishing something that actually mattered.”

GoBeyond in Thailand

Keeley R. - Snohomish, WA

“This group came from all kinds of backgrounds and from all over the world. The differences had melted away by the second day the students were together and everybody benefited from the diverse experiences each one of them brought to the table. We did some special things this summer.”

Tres H. - Thailand

“These service projects really do benefit the community in a great way. Not only are they changing people’s lives and making them happy, they are giving them a future.”

Karen S. - Maple Glen, PA

“My daughter has had 3 wonderful summer trips with you. You take care of her like she is your own.”